Hurricane Melissa Hits JamaicaCEFR A2
9 Jan 2026
Adapted from Candice Stewart, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by David Anderson, Unsplash
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, after moving over very warm ocean waters. The storm brought unprecedented winds and sudden drops in pressure, and it left heavy damage to homes, roads and public services. Many people had to leave their houses and find shelter.
Before the storm, people prepared as best they could. After the storm, volunteers and relief teams helped with food, water, hygiene kits, solar lights and temporary shelter. The work focused on cleaning, clearing debris and supporting families as they began to rebuild.
Difficult words
- hurricane — very strong tropical storm with high winds
- unprecedented — never happened in the past
- pressure — force from air or water in one place
- shelter — a safe place to stay during danger
- volunteer — person who helps without payvolunteers
- debris — broken pieces and waste after damage
- rebuild — make houses or buildings again after damage
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What can people do to prepare before a storm?
- If you had to leave your house after a storm, where would you stay?
- Have you ever helped to clean up after a storm?
Related articles
Tanzania fights rabies with mass dog vaccination
Tanzania is working to stop human rabies by vaccinating dogs, improving surveillance and keeping vaccines cold. High vaccine costs, remote villages and lack of electricity remain challenges, but local and international efforts are growing.
Uzbekistan builds large waste-to-energy plants with Chinese partners
Uzbekistan began construction of two waste-to-energy plants with Chinese firms in July 2025 and plans at least seven plants by 2027. The projects aim to burn waste and produce electricity, but critics raise transparency and health concerns.
Father’s microplastic exposure affects offspring health
A mouse study found that when fathers were exposed to microplastics, their offspring developed metabolic problems. Female offspring showed diabetic signs and researchers linked the effect to changes in sperm small RNAs; the work was published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
Wastewater surveillance reveals antibiotic resistance across Indian cities
A study of sewage from four Indian cities found many antibiotic resistance genes and similar resistance patterns. The 2025 National Action Plan and experts promote wider wastewater surveillance, but critics warn of weak implementation.
Forest loss in tropics raises local heat and deaths
A study using satellite data found that tropical deforestation from 2001–2020 exposed 345 million people to local warming and likely caused about 28,000 heat-related deaths per year, mainly in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.